God knows…

Pentecost 12

In our Genesis reading this week we have the other end of the story of Joseph who was sold into slavery by his brothers. Through several trials, including false accusations and prison, Joseph has been brought into the place his dreams had shown him all those years before. He is second in the land of Egypt only to Pharaoh himself and is now watching his own brothers, who have come from Canaan seeking food because of a famine in the area, bowing down to him. He has the power to harm them. He could repay them for their act of cruelty to him and enslave them in return or send them away with nothing knowing they would starve to death, but Joseph has no such bitterness in his heart. He has forgiven their betrayal and has waited for the fulfilment of God’s promises to him. Now he reveals his identity to them and they are truly shocked, then afraid because they know what he could do to them. Instead, Joseph says to them, ‘Do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life… God sent before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. Joseph now understands his dreams from childhood and sees his role in this family. He even sees God’s hand in bringing him to Egypt for this moment in time. There is famine everywhere and he has charge of the food stored in Egypt for feeding the nation during this famine. God knew that to preserve the people of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as his own, they needed Joseph and his grain, so he set this up all those years ago, making sure that Joseph would be there now. What an extraordinary God we have. Not only did he preserve Joseph’s life, but he used the cruelty of his brothers to save the people of Israel. We often have misfortunes in our lives and it’s easy at those times to become bitter or to decide God doesn’t care but God knows the end from the beginning. He is never just a spectator but actively works for the good of his people. The hard things, the heartache, even the deliberate acts of cruelty God can use for our good and his own glory. If you are in hard circumstances hold on to that truth.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Save The Date:

Notices:

Jars For Jam

Ellen is making more jam and has asked for small jars. Please give to Ellen or leave in the Narthex. Thank you.

Op Shop

If you have a 1/2 a day spare once in a while and would like to assist us in the shop, we have a variety of ways in which you can help out including : Tip Runs , working B’s. Weekly sorting, cleaning, sewing counting jigsaw pieces!, or going on the shop roster once a month. Every little helps and we would love to hear from you.

Vicki. 0425770197.

National Grandparents Conference

National Grandparents Conference on Saturday 29th August 9am to 4.30pm livestreamed online at St Mark’s direct from the conference happening in NSW. Please let Graeme King know this Sunday 16 August afternoon on 0490664843 if you are planning to be there so registrations can be finalised. Cost $30 (discounted for a group of 10 or more)

Step Back In Time: A Simple Biblical Meal Experience

You are warmly invited to share in a special evening inspired by the simplicity and spirit of meals in Biblical times. Gather around a table where food is shared, not rushed-where conversation, connection, and quiet reflection are part of the experience. Rather than recreating a perfect historical feast, this evening offers a gentle step back in time-an opportunity to experience how people once gathered, ate simply, and connected deeply with one another. All welcome.

Saturday 5th September 2026 6pm to 9pm here at St Mark’s
Cost $33 per person. Bookings via https://www.trybooking.com/DNRMY

Australian Anglican Church Calendar 2027

These are now available at a cost of $18 each plus postage of $5.80. Please contact Keith Thomas by late August if you wish to buy one. Bulk orders incur reduced costs (depending on numbers ordered).

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For Colombia and all who have suffered in the devastating earthquake.
• For de-escalation of the Middle East war.
• For the people of Israel and Iran and Middle East countries.
• For the victims and those who are mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack.
• For all needing support following home invasions and all other violent attacks.
• For Government action to address the out-of-control protests in Melbourne.
• For the Government plans to address the rise of antisemitism in Australia.
• For families suffering as a result of violence and home invasions.
• For those facing homelessness, hardship, anguish and despair amid rising costs.
• For all in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine and Myanmar.
• For those affected by natural disasters in around the world.
• For King Charles III, the UK and the Commonwealth.
• For peace and unity in countries around the World.
• For aid agencies such as “Save the Children”, Oxfam, CARE, UNICEF, World Vision.

In our community:

• For teachers and students.
• For doctors, nurses, paramedics, Coast Guard, the CFA & SES.
• For local community outreach groups such as the Dromana Community House and “Food for All”.

In our Diocese and beyond:

• For Melbourne Archbishop-elect Right Reverend Dr Richard (Ric) Thorpe as he prepares to move from London to Melbourne.
• For Archbishop Geoffrey Smith’s ministry as Primate of Australia.
• For the ministry of Bishop Paul Barker in the Jumbunna Region and Archdeacon Rev’d Sam Bleby, in the Frankston Archdeanery.
• In our Deanery, we pray for the parish of St John’s Sorrento with St Andrew’s Rye and their Vicar, Rev’d Stephen Dent
• For the work of the Church Missionary Society and Wei-Han the Victorian Director.
• For Anna Radkovic our CMS Link Missionary in Watamu, Kenya.
• For Christian churches around the world to be free to worship and be witnesses of the love of God as shown through the coming of His Son.

In our Parish:

• For our leadership and ministry teams.
• For Rev’d Janice O’Gorman.
• For the finances of our Parish.
• For the success of our building permit application.
• For our Parish, its people and those we reach out to every week.
• For the success of the new Beachside Youth program.
• For the Alpha program, the leaders and all who will attend.
• For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
• For all members of the Parish Council.
• That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
• For William, Kevin, Anne, Doris B, Ellen, Ted & Monica, Lorna, Louise, Jen, TJ and family, Karen, Mary, Jan K, David, Belinda, Joan R, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Keith S, Harry, Mike, Chloe, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert.